On our trip to Oltrepò Pavese, our group was taken to visit the Isimbarda winery. Set in a beautiful location overlooking a valley, this historic family winery is called Tenuta Isimbarda and is connected to a noble Lombard family, the Isimbarda family, who were known as the lords of the Santa Giuletta feudal area. The family owned the property for many hundreds of years. Some members of the family were more involved than others. One in particular Luigi Isimbardi was active in the 19th century trying out innovative techniques for the time. The winery was in the family hands until it was sold in 2019 to three entrepreneurs from the wine industry.

On our trip, we met with their very knowledgeable winemaker and tasted a couple of their sparkling wines made from Pinot Noir. I very much enjoyed their elegant version of Oltrepò Pavese Metodo Classico DOCG Cruasé made from 100% Pinot Noir. I asked the winemaker a thousand questions that day and he was very patient with me, answering all of them.

The wine is made from 100% Pinot Noir. It had a very beautiful rose color with red berry fruit aromas and flavors of strawberry and raspberry. With medium acidity and alcohol, the wine is medium bodied with a lovely creamy perlage of fine, numerous bubbles. It would be a great pairing with charcuterie and cheese or on its own as a perfect apertivo and one I would love to have this Valentine’s day.